The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday presented Certificates of Return to winners of the August 16 by-elections across the country.
The certificates were handed to newly elected senators and House of Representatives members at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja by national commissioners representing the affected constituencies.
Those presented with certificates include Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who won the Anambra South Senatorial District, and Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged senator for Edo Central.
Five House of Representatives members-elect also received their certificates.
They are: Omosede Igbinedion (APC, Ovia North East/Ovia South West, Edo), Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki (APC, Babura/Garki, Jigawa), Fidelix Bagudu (APC, Chikun/Kajuru, Kaduna), Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji (APC, Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North, Ogun) and Fola Oyekunle (PDP, Ibadan North, Oyo).
Speaking after receiving his certificate, Nwachukwu pledged to deliver authentic and impactful representation, particularly addressing the needs of businesspeople and persons with disabilities in the region.
He said: “We will work across party lines to address issues such as erosion, health, and education. My goal is for the people of Anambra South to feel genuinely represented”.
Noting the severe environmental degradation in the area, Nwachukwu described it as the erosion capital of Nigeria” and expressed intent to collaborate with both local and international experts to tackle the crisis.
In his remarks, Senator-elect Joseph Ikpea (APC-Edo Central) vowed not to disappoint his constituents.
He succeeded Monday Okpebholo, who resigned his Senate seat to contest the Edo governorship election.
“The way I attend to my people now will determine if they’ll support me for a second term,” Ikpea noted.
Also speaking, Omosede Igbinedion (APC-Edo), member-elect for Ovia Federal Constituency, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Edo State governor, and her constituents for their support.
“I dedicate this victory to the people. I’ll work hard to exceed their expectations in the National Assembly,” she said.
